FWC reserves decision on unions’ merger

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PLANS to merge the Maritime Union with the CFMEU are experiencing a delay.

A spokesman for the MUA said the Fair Work Commission (which is entrusted with approving the arrangement) had reserved its decision following a hearing on February 2.

No formal date has been set for the next hearing.

Union members have voted in favour of the merger (also including the smaller Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union) however, some business groups have expressed concern and called on the federal government to intervene.

The CFMEU has just been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $1m in penalties for secondary boycotts against Boral and Alsafe at building sites in Hawthorn and Richmond, Victoria.